Makeda Cheatom (right) and fellow gardener
Launching in December 2024, *Growing to Preserve Ancestral Seeds* is a groundbreaking initiative by the WorldBeat Cultural Center and Makeda Cheatom, supported by Climate Action Fellows and local partners. This agricultural program aims to combat food insecurity in communities of color by preserving heirloom seeds, promoting sustainable farming practices, and fostering intergenerational learning. The project is located in the Tijuana River Valley Community Garden, where preparations are underway to ready the land.
Volunteers are needed to help clear weeds and prepare the soil for planting. If you're interested in supporting this effort, please email volunteers@worldbeatcenter.org for more information.
At the heart of the project is the cultivation of culturally significant heirloom crops, including Moringa trees and collard greens. Plans include setting up a greenhouse to start seedlings, which will be used both on the farm and for the WorldBeat
Garden Nursery.
The project prioritizes food deserts, offering workshops, plant starters, and resources to low income families and seniors. Seeds for the project are generously sponsored by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and planter boxes are being made in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
Beyond gardening, the initiative is a cultural revival. Seniors will share ancestral farming knowledge while learning modern practices like permaculture and water conservation, creating a dynamic space for intergenerational exchange. Through this effort,
*Growing to Preserve Ancestral Seeds* not only preserves biodiversity but also teaches agroecology, strengthens community resilience and reconnects people to their roots.
Agroecology is sustainable farming that works with nature. Ecology is the study of relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment - and the balance between these relationships.
Stay updated through the WorldBeat Center’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook as well as the newsletter for more details about workshops and volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit the WorldBeat Center or join a workshop to be part of this inspiring mission.
